This one isn below the radar….
American troops sent to Africa because possible demonstrations for an election.
The reason given seems to be for the protection of American citizens in that country …..
For those of us that have been around for a while?
Deja Vu of back in the day…..
The White House informed Congress on Friday that it is sending troops to Congo ahead of possible “violent demonstrations” in reaction to Sunday’s presidential election there.
The letter says about 80 military personnel have deployed “to be in position to support the security of United States citizens, personnel, and diplomatic facilities in Kinshasa,” the nation’s capital.
The letter states that more military personnel will deploy as needed to Gabon or neighboring Republic of Congo and that troops will remain in the region until the security situation “becomes such that their presence is no longer needed.”
The presidential election is Congo’s chance at its first democratic and peaceful transition of power since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. However, election observers and the opposition voiced concerns about voter irregularities, according to The Associated Press……
Note….
This would come under the control of the US African Command and the State Dept. one would think…
A good question might be how many American citizens (and others under U.S. protection, such as U.S.-resident aliens) are currently helping the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa/Léopoldville) and the Congolese (Zaïreans) deal with the Ebola crisis.
Might be….
But actually?
If there IS a security risk for ANY American?
More Marines ARE in order to be deployed…